Roman Gods of the Month: December

 For Romans, December is a month to honor the Gods, who ensure the fertility of the earth. People are concerned about the winter sowing and the future crops. It is also a month for family and friends, including the local Nature Spirits. Saturnalia, which celebrates the Golden Age of Saturnus (Saturn), occurs in the middle of December. It is a time of lights, games, and gift-giving.

 

BONA DEA: December 3 is the day of women’s mysteries for Bona Dea, the Good Goddess. This Goddess of Healing also ensures women’s fertility. During the rites, it is forbidden to speak the words “wine” and “myrtle” since Faunus got the Goddess drunk and beat Her with a myrtle branch.

 

FAUNUS: December 5 is the festival for Faunus, the Protector of Herds. This horned half-goat God blesses the animals at this time. Rites done for Faunus are in the nude since this God disliked clothes. Faunus also is appealed to for oracles and prophetic dreams.

 

TIBER RIVER AND THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME: Two festivals – one for the Tiber River and one for the Seven Hills – occur on December 8 and December 11 respectfully. This is the time to thank and make offerings to the local rivers and streams, as well as the local hills.

 

CONSUS: The second festival for Consus, the God of the Granary is held on December 15. This is the start of the Halcyon Days, the seven days before and the seven days following the Winter Solstice. In Roman times, chariot races were held to celebrate the autumn sowing.

 

SATURNUS (SATURN): Saturnalia from December 17 to 24 celebrates the Golden Age that Saturnus Pater ruled the earth. During Saturnalia, the feet of Saturn’s statue are unbound. For Saturnalia, people decorate their homes in red and yellow. My family exchanges candles and plays board games.

 

OPS CONSIVA: The Opalia is held on December 19 for Ops Consiva (the Sower), as part of celebrating the autumn sowing. This Goddess of Abundance is the Consort of both Consus and Saturnus. In making offerings of milk and honey to the Goddess, people would sit and touch the earth.

 

ANGERONA: At the Divalia, on December 21, Angerona, the Goddess of Secrets is honored. People prayed to Her for relief from pain and worry.

 

ACCA LARENTIA: On December 23, the Larentalia was held at her tomb. Acca Larentia is the Founder of Rome and Goddess of the Lars. She owned the surrounding lands around the fledgling city. The Twelve Arval Priests, who are responsible for offerings to Dea Dia, were said to be founded in Acca Larentia’s memory.